3 QBs Patriots Could Sign if Tom Brady Leaves

The New England Patriots have a lot to sort out this offseason, and priority numero uno must be addressing the impending free agency status of Tom Brady.

It's still truly difficult to imagine the six-time Super Bowl champ playing anywhere else in 2020, and while he could still decide to hang 'em up and retire, Pats fans won't find themselves at ease until the exact moment he inks an extension. Should Brady actually shock the world and opt for "greener" pastures, let's take a look at a three signal-callers that the organization could acquire to take over the reins.

3. Jameis Winston

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

A few statistics perfectly summarize the rollercoaster that is Jameis Winston under center. He led the NFL in passing yards with 5,019 this season.... as well as interceptions with 30. He also dropped in 33 TD passes on a whopping 8.2 yards per attempt. The question here is whether Bill Belichick's regard for Winston's high ceiling overrides his bottom-barrel floor. Tampa Bay has yet to commit to Winston as their QB of the future, so New England could be positioned to scoop him up as he hits free agency this offseason.

2. Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton / Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Kyle Allen's putrid last several weeks of the 2019 season might have been enough for Cam Newton to win back the love of Panthers fans, but even that might not be enough to save his future in Carolina. Newton is now 30 years old and looking to restore his top dog status coming off an injury-plagued year. Given the countless beatings he's taken under center for the Panthers, it's imaginable that he might be skeptical about playing out the rest of his days with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall back in 2011. If that's the case, the Panthers would have to consider trading him with one year left on his deal.

1. Teddy Bridgewater

New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater / Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Teddy Bridgewater did wonders for his NFL future filling in for an injured Drew Brees earlier in the season, compiling a 5-0 record alongside a 99.3 passer rating. Though the Louisville product is grateful for the Saints taking a chance on him follow his major knee injury, he likely doesn't want to serve as a back-up for another season -- and let's be honest, Brees isn't retiring. Bridgewater proved with New Orleans that he can lead a team to the postseason if the pieces around him are sound, and most would argue that the Patriots are one or two weapons away from being an offensive force again.